(a) State two differences between weather and climate. (b) Name the instruments used in measuring the following weather elements: (i) sunshine (ii) rainfall...

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2020 (Practical and Physical Geography) Subject: Geography

Question 1 Report

(a) State two differences between weather and climate.
(b) Name the instruments used in measuring the following weather elements: (i) sunshine (ii) rainfall (iii) cloud cover.
(c) Explain how Wind speed is measured and recorded.

Answer Details

(a) Two differences between weather and climate

WeatherClimate
The state of the atmosphere of a place over a short period (a day or a few days).The average weather conditions of a place taken over a long period, usually at least 30 to 35 years.
It changes frequently from hour to hour or day to day.It is relatively stable and changes only over a long time.

(b) Instruments used to measure the weather elements

  • (i) Sunshine: the Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder.
  • (ii) Rainfall: the rain gauge.
  • (iii) Cloud cover: estimated by the eye in oktas (eighths) of the sky (an instrument such as a nephoscope observes cloud movement).

(c) How wind speed is measured and recorded

  • Wind speed is measured with a cup anemometer, which consists of three or four hemispherical cups mounted on horizontal arms that rotate freely on a vertical spindle.
  • The wind pushes the cups round, and the rate of rotation is proportional to the wind speed.
  • The rotations are transmitted to a dial or counter which is calibrated to read the speed in kilometres per hour, metres per second or knots.
  • The instrument is mounted in an open, exposed place about \(10\text{ m}\) above the ground, free from obstruction.
  • Readings are taken at fixed times and recorded; average and gust speeds may be logged, and on the Beaufort scale the values are expressed in numbered wind forces.

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